Lenovo ThinkPad Clean Vista Install and Selective ThinkVantage Install

I just got a T400 and I wish to do a clean Vista install and afterwards install select components of ThinkVantage (namely Power Manager and System Update). I also came across the "ThinkPad superguide" and so far I have done the first part of creating the 3 Vista recovery discs.

First off let me say that I HAVE done some googling on these questions but it seems specific answers that are not conflicting or outdated are not straightforward to come by - furthermore I won't have time to muck around with my new system until maybe this weekend, so hopefully after posting here I will have a clear direction on what to do when the time comes. Now for the questions:

- Lenovo did not provide me with a Vista installation DVD, but I have one from another Vista copy I am using on another machine. Could I use this DVD, along with the Vista Product Key on the underside of my ThinkPad, to install a fresh copy of Vista on the ThinkPad?

- After that, how would I go about installing selective ThinkVantage components? I read somewhere to use Lenovo's "Base Software Administrator" to do this, is this the best way?

Thanks for your help! And links to sites/articles that specifically address these questions are also appreciated.

 

That selective install feature was scrapped with the new T, X, R, W x00 series. Previous 61 and prior models had it.

 

I've done it and the best way is to install Vista from a Microsoft install.
Renee

 

You should be able to use your other Vista disc and the key on you machine to install Vista as long as they're the same version. Make a copy of the SWTools folder before you start. Then just install the ones you want.

 

I refer you to the greatest single post written in Notebookreview.com's Lenovo Forum, Stallen's Vista Clean Install Guide.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

Read it and all your questions will be answered. Or encase you're lazy I cut and paste them below.

Full Disclosure, I have never attempted a clean install, I'm too lazy.

• Can I use a retail or OEM Vista DVD instead of the "Anytime Upgrade" DVD? Yes, barrow a retail disk or OEM disk from a friend and follow the guide. The clean install process and the end result will be the same. Basically the Anytime Upgrade DVD, any retail or OEM DVD are all the same installation disks. The only thing different about them is the label stamped on the disk. All of these Vista installation disks contain EVERY version (i.e. Basic, Premium, Business, Ultimate) of Vista. It is the product key that determines the version.
• Can I use the key on the bottom of my laptop? Yes, if you have no problem calling Microsoft to get your system activated, you can use the key that's on your laptop. However, Microsoft will ask you why you need to activate. If you have to re-install again, they will ask you "Why?" again. Eventually they might say "No" and not activate your product. It's just a hassle to call and explain yourself.

• What is ThinkVantage? ThinkVantage is not one utility. It is multiple thirdparty utilities from Lenovo. Each of these utilities can be downloaded and installed separately from Lenovo. If you are tempted to install some of the Thinkvantage utilities, TRY TO RESIST!!! If you still insist, I recommend that you hold off on installing those for at least a few weeks to become acquainted with the performance and stability of your laptop. THEN install one Thinkvantage utility every couple of weeks. That way if one of the utilities causes an instability or performance issue you will be able to isolate the problem utility and uninstall it. Avoid installing ThinkVantage utilities that you do not need to avoid slowing down the performance of your system. NONE of the ThinkVantage utilities are necessary except for ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software for those with a fingerprint reader. For a list of ThinkVantage utilities and a description of each of them Click Here.

• Can I use ThinkVantage System Update to install the drivers for me? You can do that, but I don't recommend it. First of all, the purpose of this guide to to have a clean install without any ThinkVantage Utilities. System Update is a ThinkVantage Utility. There have been numerous reports that system update does not always install all the drivers and sometimes it will install older drivers than what are available on the Downloads and Drivers page. Using System Update makes it more of a hassle to figure out what drivers are missing and what drivers are old. Also, it is just not a good idea to rely on a utility to properly install drivers. Occasionally Lenovo will release bug fixes for System Update. In short, ThinkVantage System Update is subject to error. Do you and your laptop a favor and install them properly yourself. Here is just one of many threads where people complain that System Update is not working properly. CLICK HERE It's just too unreliable! I should also mention that BIOS updates should not be performed unless you have a known issue that the update will fix. Things can go horribly wrong if a BIOS flash is not properly performed. If you must update your BIOS, it is always safest to use the bootable CD method of flashing the BIOS.

edit:
- Some people claim they've used the windows serial# on the bottom of their notebooks and activated it online with no problems.
- To my knowledge Lenovo's System Update is now defunct. I have no idea if it still works or not. I recommend not using it though.

 

System update is quite alive.

System Update 3.14

 

Here's another thread designed specifically for a clean install of the T400. I used it a couple of weekends ago, but I'm not sure if all the driver links are working since I just used the driver matrix on the Lenovo site.